Why I Love Photographing California + Midwest Weddings

One of the things I love most about my work is that I get to photograph weddings in two places that feel completely different, yet both feel like home to me: Southern California and the Midwest.

I grew up in West Michigan, but I’ve been living in Southern California for the past few years. Because of that, my work naturally lives in both places—and honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way. Each location brings something unique to a wedding day, and both inspire the way I photograph love stories.

California: Coastal, Effortless, and Full of Light

There’s something really special about weddings along the California coast. The ocean, the cliffs, the golden sunsets—it all creates this atmosphere that feels both relaxed and elevated at the same time.

A lot of my California couples are drawn to beaches, coastal venues, and places where the scenery speaks for itself. The light here is incredible, especially during golden hour, and it creates the dreamiest backdrop for both candid moments and editorial portraits.

What I love about photographing in California is that couples often want a balance: they want to be present and enjoy their day, but they also want photos that feel artistic and timeless. That’s exactly how I approach weddings—documenting real moments while also creating portraits that feel refined and intentional.

The Midwest: Meaningful, Warm, and Timeless

Midwest weddings have a completely different kind of beauty, and it’s one that’s very close to my heart. There’s something about weddings in Michigan that just feel deeply personal.

Many celebrations take place at beautiful estates, countryside venues, vineyards, or along the Lake Michigan shoreline. The landscapes are peaceful and romantic, and the days tend to feel slower and more intimate.

What I love most about Midwest weddings is the emotion and connection between people. Families are close, traditions matter, and the day often feels incredibly heartfelt. Those moments—big hugs, happy tears, packed dance floors—are the things I love documenting most.

Two Places That Shape My Work

Being able to photograph weddings in both California and the Midwest has really shaped my style. California brings the editorial, coastal energy, while the Midwest brings the warmth and authenticity that makes a wedding feel truly personal.

No matter where I am, my goal is always the same: to document the real moments of the day while creating images that feel timeless, true to color, and full of emotion. I want my couples to feel comfortable enough to be themselves while also walking away with photos that feel beautiful and lasting.

Whether it’s a beach wedding in Southern California or a lakeside celebration in Michigan, I’m always grateful to be invited into these moments and trusted to tell the story.